Purbaya Reveals New Plan: Citizens Issuing ID Cards Will Automatically Receive Bank Accounts
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has revealed a government plan to automatically open bank accounts for members of the public who do not yet possess one. This step is being prepared to accelerate and ensure that the distribution of social assistance (bansos) is more precisely targeted.
Purbaya stated that the plan follows directives from President Prabiente Subianto. The government intends to utilise the integration of population data and the financial sector to identify individuals who lack bank accounts.
“This is so that every form of assistance, such as social aid and others, can be truly fast and precisely targeted. That appears to be the President’s plan,” Purbaya said when met in Jakarta on Tuesday (8/9/2026).
According to him, the data used will encompass information from the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil), Bank Indonesia (BI), and the Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).
“It will use a combination of data from Dukcapil, BI, and LPS. We will check every person over the age of 18, and those without accounts will have one opened for them,” he said.
Purbaya noted that those receiving these accounts could potentially receive an initial balance immediately. The amount is estimated to be between Rp50,000 and Rp80,000.
“The first distribution of social aid might include an initial deposit of perhaps Rp50,000 to Rp80,000 for the first time,” said Purbaya.
Furthermore, the government is considering allowing account openings to occur simultaneously with the issuance of National Identity Cards (KTP) for citizens reaching adulthood.
“There is also a possibility that every person making a KTP will automatically have an account created immediately. This way, it is not a two-step process; they are given it for free, along with the initial funds,” he explained.
Under this scheme, the government would not need to wait for social assistance recipients to open accounts independently when aid is due to be distributed. Since accounts would already be available, the distribution of assistance could be carried out much faster.
The plan will involve the State-Owned Banks Association (Himbara), including PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BBRI) and PT Bank Syariah Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BRIS).
Purbaya mentioned that providing an initial balance could serve as a way to anticipate issues regarding account opening fees and inactive accounts caused by a lack of deposits.
“It will be topped up with Rp50,000 or a certain minimum. However, if Himbara says they are capable, we will follow suit,” he said.
However, Purbaya emphasised that the plan has not yet become a final government decision. He could not yet confirm whether the mechanism would begin implementation next year.
“I do not know yet; this is only the initial discussion. The final result has not been determined or released,” Purbaya asserted.